Doyle names Ireland squad to face Italy

Ireland Women's coach Philip Doyle admits his side will be stepping into the unknown in their when they face Italy in Rovigo in their opening RBS 6 Nations clash on February 6.

Fiona Coghlan will captain the side for the second successive season after helping Ireland to a third-place finish for the second year on the bounce in 2010 and guiding Ireland to seventh in the World Cup - their best ever placing.

Scrum-half Tania Rosser will miss the opening game in Italy due to an injury she picked up during the World Cup but Ulster prop Lauren Day returns after missing the event in England.

"The dedication of the players has been excellent, both in their individual attention and motivation and as a squad," said Doyle.

"We recognise the potential of the squad while respecting the challenges ahead, the first of which is to start the Six Nations campaign against Italy away with a good performance.

"Being the first game of the championship means we have little knowledge of the opposition so our concentration is to be accurate as possible throughout the game with and without the ball."

After losing their Under-20s Six Nations crown to England Under-20s in a thrilling final round, France Under-20s lock Tristan Labouteley insists his side will be out for revenge at this year's Junior World Championship.